New initiative to train parish evangelists

A new initiative is being launched to train parishioners in England and Wales to evangelise more effectively. 'Fanning the Flames' is being offered by the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE), in partnership with Catholic Evangelisation Services.

Mgr Keith Barltrop, Director of CASE, said: "This is a first for England and Wales. Never before has evangelisation training been offered on such a large scale and in such a strategic way. Everyone is welcome to attend an event. Come and be supported in playing your part in home mission, and if you can't come, please pray for its success. We all have a role in fanning the flames of faith."

During this Jubilee Year of St Paul which ends in June 2009, the theme of the tour comes from one of his letters to Timothy, in which he wrote: "That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God's gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord ..." (2 Timothy 1: 6-8). In the same vein, it is hoped that the training days will enable people to make active their gifts and give them the practical tools to go out and bear fruit.

Every region will host an event. Many tour dates have already been confirmed and include Gateshead, Nottingham, London, Hull and Portsmouth.

The organisers are hoping that every parish will send at least four representatives to receive training. A suggested donation to help cover costs is £10 per person. To find out more and to register the names of participants see: www.caseresources.org.uk; e-mail: info@caseresources.org.uk; tel: 0207 901 4863. Also see: www.faithcafe.org